(Above Photo L-R: Jeannie Bragg, Rita Ash, Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg, Judge Don Ash, Billy Pittard, State Senator Bill Ketron, Helena Pittard, Theresa Ketron, Ronnie and Donna Barrett) 

Approximately 100 business and government leaders along with MTSU officials honored Murfreesboro native Billy Pittard recently upon his being named Chair of Electronic Media Communication in the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University. 

The private event at the Barrett House was hosted by Ronnie and Donna Barrett, Senator Bill and Theresa Ketron, Judge Don and Rita Ash, and Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy and Jeanne Bragg and was a means to welcome Pittard back to his hometown after residing in Los Angeles for the past 27 years. 

Barrett welcomed everyone to his home noting that he and Pittard first became friends while in third grade at Bellwood Elementary School.  They have remained close friends since 

MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee called attention to Pittard’s illustrious career in television, movie and media mediums.  Dr. McPhee commented, “Billy is a giant in his industry, and MTSU will benefit from his expertise in branding and marketing communications for over 200 leading entertainment and media entities around the world.”

“A winner of five Emmys, a Golden Lamp Award and hundreds of other industry recognitions, Billy brings his visionary leadership and broad experience across the digital media spectrum to MTSU where it will enrich the state-of-the-art, hands-on, real world learning for our students.  He made his mark in Hollywood and around the world, and now he has come back to his roots in Murfreesboro,” Dr. McPhee added.

Pittard responded, “It’s wonderful to be back home among friends and family with my wife, Helena.  It’s kind of miraculous how well my professional experience prepared me for the unique blend of what we teach in the Electronic Media Communication department at MTSU.  I’m excited about connecting what we teach to opportunities in our area.  You don’t have to be in New York or Los Angeles to do what we do.  Great media innovations can originate right here.”